Rolfing

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Not to be confused with ralphing.

Rolfing is a therapy system created by the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration (also referred to as "RISI"),[1] founded by Ida Pauline Rolf in 1971.[2] The Institute states that Rolfing is a "holistic system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education that organize(s) the whole body in gravity".[3] Manipulation of the muscle fasciae is believed to yield therapeutic benefits, including that clients stand straighter, gain height and move better, through the correction of soft tissue fixations or dystonia. A review found that evidence for clinical effectiveness and hypothesized mechanisms of Rolfing is severely limited by small sample sizes and absence of control arms, and that further research is needed,[4] though controlled trials found that a single Rolfing session significantly decreases standing pelvic tilt angle,[5] and that Rolfing caused a lasting decrease in state anxiety when compared to the control group.[6] Only practitioners certified by RISI can use the title "Rolfer," or practice "Rolfing," due to service mark ownership. The Guild for Structural Integration is the other certifying body, whose graduates use the title "Practitioners of the Rolf Method of Structural Integration."[7]

Contents

History [edit]

Ida Pauline Rolf began developing her system in New York in the 1930s with the main goal of organizing the human structure in relation to gravity in order to help the chronically disabled unable to find help elsewhere.[8] Her method, involving a programme of deep-tissue massages, was originally called "Postural Release" and later "Structural Integration" but became known as "Rolfing". In 1971 Rolf founded the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration.[9]

Theory and practice [edit]

Manipulative and body-based methods - edit
NCCAM classifications
  1. Alternative Medical Systems
  2. Mind-Body Intervention
  3. Biologically Based Therapy
  1. Biologically Based Massage Heights
  2. Manipulative Methods
  3. Energy Therapy
See also

Skeletal muscles often work in opposing pairs called the "agonist" and the "antagonist", the one contracting while the other relaxes. Rolf theorized that "bound up" fasciae (connective tissues) often restrict opposing muscles from functioning in concert. She aimed to separate the fibers of bound up fasciae manually to loosen them and allow effective movement.

Rolfers often prescribe a sequence of ten sessions to "balance and optimize both the structure (shape) and function (movement) of the entire body."[10][11] The theory is that "only by bringing peace 'from the ground up' can problems higher in the body be 'understood'".[12]

A client generally lies down and is guided through specific movements during a Rolfing Structural Integration session. The Rolfer manipulates the fascia until it can operate in conjunction with the muscles in a "normal" fashion.[11] This takes place over a course of ten 60- to 90-minute sessions, with a specific goal for each session and an overall goal of cumulative results.[10] Some clients find Rolfing painful but it has evolved over the decades into a far more gentle practice than it was in its early days.[13] On The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2007 Mehmet Oz likened Rolfing to having someone do yoga for you.[14]

Evidence base [edit]

Rolfing Structural Integration is generally regarded as safe.[15] However, because it involves deep tissue manipulation, pregnant women and people with skeletal, vascular, or clot disorders should consult a health care provider before undertaking Rolfing sessions.[15] Rolfing practitioners have suggested its use for a wide variety of medical conditions.[15] According to a 2004 scientific review, peer reviewed research on Rolfing is limited, lacking controlled clinical trials: "there is no evidence-based literature to support Rolfing in any specific disease group."[16] However, controlled trials found that a single Rolfing session significantly decreases standing pelvic tilt angle,[5] and that Rolfing caused a lasting decrease in state anxiety when compared to the control group.[6]

The overall concept of fascia limiting and permitting functionality is receiving more investigation. In late 2007 the first "Fascia Research Congress" was held and attracted attention from researchers and clinicians.[17][18]

Within the Structural Integration community, Robert Schleip questions Rolf's emphasis on the plasticity of fasciae, and suggests that successes may have more to do with the reduction of high muscle tonus and other physiological effects that may as easily be elicited by the stimulation of mechano-sensory receptors in the fascial tissues.[19]

References [edit]

  1. ^ http://www.rolf.org[full citation needed][non-primary source needed]
  2. ^ Stirling, Isabel (2006). Zen Pioneer: The Life & Works of Ruth Fuller Sasaki. Shoemaker & Hoard. p. 8. ISBN 978-1-59376-110-3. 
  3. ^ http://www.rolf.org/about/index.htm[full citation needed][non-primary source needed]
  4. ^ Jacobson, E (2011). "Structural integration, an alternative method of manual therapy and sensorimotor education". Journal of alternative and complementary medicine 17 (10): 891–9. doi:10.1089/acm.2010.0258. PMC 3198617. PMID 21992437. 
  5. ^ a b Cottingham, JT; Porges, SW; Richmond, K (1988). "Shifts in pelvic inclination angle and parasympathetic tone produced by Rolfing soft tissue manipulation". Physical therapy 68 (9): 1364–70. PMID 3420170. 
  6. ^ a b Weinberg, RS; Hunt, VV (1979). "Effects of structural integration on state-trait anxiety". Journal of clinical psychology 35 (2): 319–22. PMID 457892. 
  7. ^ http://www.rolfguild.org/GSIcatalog.pdf[full citation needed][non-primary source needed]
  8. ^ http://www.rolfguild.org/idarolf.html[full citation needed][non-primary source needed]
  9. ^ http://kepler.sos.ca.gov[full citation needed] Search for "Rolf Institute"
  10. ^ a b "What is the Rolfing Ten Series?" Rolf Institute of Structural Integration, FAQ number 4 [1][non-primary source needed]
  11. ^ a b Rolf, I: Reestablishing the Natural Alignment and Structural Integration of the Human Body for Vitality and Well-Being, p15, ISBN 0-89281-335-0[non-primary source needed]
  12. ^ Rolf, I: Reestablishing the Natural Alignment and Structural Integration of the Human Body for Vitality and Well-Being, p45, ISBN 0-89281-335-0[non-primary source needed]
  13. ^ "Does Rolfing Hurt?" Rolf Institute of Structural Integration, FAQ number 6 [2]
  14. ^ CONSIDINE, AUSTIN (6 October 2010). "Rolfing, Excruciatingly Helpful". New York Times. Retrieved 6 October 2010. 
  15. ^ a b c Rolfing Structural Integration September 26, 2005
  16. ^ Jones, Tracey A. (2004). "Rolfing". Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America 15 (4): 799–809, vi. doi:10.1016/j.pmr.2004.03.008. PMID 15458753. 
  17. ^ Grimm, D. (2007). "BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH: Cell Biology Meets Rolfing". Science 318 (5854): 1234–5. doi:10.1126/science.318.5854.1234. PMID 18033859. 
  18. ^ "First International Fascia Research Congress: Basic Science and Implications for Conventional and Complementary Health Care," retrieved 1-29-09 [3][non-primary source needed]
  19. ^ Schleip, Robert (2003). "Fascial plasticity – a new neurobiological explanation: Part 1". Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 7: 11. doi:10.1016/S1360-8592(02)00067-0. 

External links [edit]

Types of massage
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